A good voter is an educated voter.

With the Tulsa Public Schools $609 million bond (four separate propositions) on the April 7 ballot, there's a lot of discussion in Tulsa — especially among Republicans.

In a previous blog, the Tulsa County GOP urged a NO vote on all four propositions, pointing to chronic performance issues, declining enrollment (~33,000–34,000 students), excess buildings, past financial concerns, and the need for real reform before more spending.

On the other side, here is the full argument for YES from Bob Jack, a long-time Tulsa Republican, grandparent, and member of the official Bond Development Committee:

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The 2026 Tulsa Public Schools bond issue is set for a vote on Tuesday, April 7 and

ensures our community’s most treasured assets – our kids – are prepared for the future.

The 2026 Bond is a $609 million investment in Tulsa children, teachers, and families

that will have an impact on every student at every school without increasing your

property tax rate.

Why this bond issue is important should be considered by each voter.

It is about making sure our students are career ready, ensuring safe learning

environments, making technology available for students and teachers, and providing

access to reliable transportation to get them to and from school and to their activities.

The bond issue is about what the schools need and is directly aligned to academic and

student priorities, especially advancing important academic outcomes.

It is also important to remember that learning opportunities come not only from day-to-

day curriculum, but in providing students with experiences – from band and fine arts to

athletics.

There will be four separate propositions on the ballot that make up the 2026 Bond.

Proposition 1 – Getting our students career ready – This includes programs and

resources to boost student engagement and attendance, learning opportunities and

career development.

Proposition 2 – Creating and maintaining safe learning environments – This is about

investing in the core building infrastructure to help maintain safe and comfortable

learning environments.

Proposition 3 – Focuses on providing much needed technology for students and staff –

Technology is necessary in our educational process and students/ staff need tablets,

digital displays, interactive whiteboards, network infrastructure, and cyber-security. This

package also includes life safety systems and CO2 monitoring.

Proposition 4 – Is about ensuring safe, reliable transportation – Buses, transportation

vehicles, maintenance vehicles are all included. This package funds the return of

Driver’s Education program that allows students to obtain a driver's license.

The 2026 Bond package was put together over a 16-month period by a committee of

parents, patrons, district staff and subject experts. The Bond Development Committee

was charged with four key objectives. Safety: maintain safe, consistent, and connected

learning experiences. Academics: increase student academic performance.

Engagement: create consistent student engagement and participation. Attendance:

lower chronic absenteeism across the district.

During multiple community meetings we have heard the NO vote is anchored on past

problems within the district and lack of financial control. However, under the leadership

of a new CFO and the addition of internal auditor, patrons of TPS can be assured that

the problems of the past are no longer an excuse.

The academic outcomes of the district should be a concern of every Tulsan. However,

this problem did not deteriorate overnight. The causes are deep and wide. Many are

caused by societal breakdown within our community. We cannot understate the

significant challenge of chronic absenteeism faced by TPS. There have been small

improvements in academic outcomes, however we as voters or the team at TPS should

never be satisfied until students excel academically.

Recently, the district has taken steps to right-size the district staff by necessary

reductions along with the sale of surplus properties. However, the hard work will

continue to identify challenges and make adjustments that make TPS an outstanding K-

12 educational system in which all Tulsans can take pride in.

We cannot walk away, throw up our hands or throw in the towel. Tulsan’s have never

walked away from a challenge, and this is no time to walk away from the district hoping

it blows up and be rebuilt. That only hurts our community’s most treasured assets – our

kids!

Please vote YES on April 7th .

Bob Jack

Member – Bond Development Committee

Grandparent

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Key points he makes:

• No increase in the property tax rate (millage stays the same as the 2021 bond).

• Funds career readiness, safe learning environments (HVAC, roofing, security), modern technology, and reliable buses/driver's ed.

• Developed over 16 months by a committee of parents, patrons, staff, and experts.

• Acknowledges past problems and societal challenges but argues new financial controls are in place and we can't "walk away" from Tulsa's kids.

After reading the official TPS bond details (tulsaschools.org/2026bond), the GOP materials, and this perspective -

What do you think after looking at both sides? Should Tulsa voters approve all four propositions, some, or none on April 7? Why?

Let's keep it civil and fact-based — drop your thoughts below.

Early voting is underway, and the 60% supermajority is required for passage.